DEERFIELD — Britton Deerfield needed a top-notch defensive game and an overall rebounding advantage, and the Patriots got both in handing Clinton a 49-38 loss in Tri-County Conference girls basketball play Tuesday.

"It was another grind-it-out win for us," said BD coach Craig Tanis. "Clinton played us tough, but it was our defense and our rebounding that made the difference again."

BD also found key ways to get to the free throw line, hitting 13-of-17 in the game compared to Clinton's 4-for-6 chances.

The Patriots (12-4, 9-2 TCC) used its entire starting lineup to get the win as Cambria Handy led the scorers with 18 points but also had 10 rebounds and four steals. Abbey Meinert tacked on 12 points, Morgan Tanis 10 points and three assists, and Janessa Handy 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals.

— Britton Deerfield-Clinton JVs: Ella Nighswander scored 18 points while Marisa Kimerer had seven rebounds, five assists and five steals to lead the BD junior varsity team to a 44-37 win over Clinton.

Adrian 36, Monroe 26: At Adrian, the Maples had a strong practice the night before, and it carried over into Tuesday's Southeastern Conference crossover game.

Adrian (2-13) scored 11 points in the first quarter and held off Monroe the rest of the way.

Sam Regalado led the Maples with 15 points. Keana Lofton had five points and seven rebounds, while Kim Buie added three points and 15 rebounds. Nineteen of Adrian's 36 points came from the foul line.

Adrian will travel to face archrival Tecumseh on Friday.

Blissfield 52, Hillsdale 31: At Hillsdale, the Royals used a shut-down defense to defeat Lenawee County Athletic Association opponent Hillsdale.

Blissfield held the Hornets to just six points in two different quarters. Emma Essen defended Hillsdale's top scorer, Hayley Maystead, and limited her to nine points.

Claire Denecker posted another double-double for the Royals, finishing with 23 points, 13 rebounds, five blocks and four steals. Essen had eight points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Sara Goetz added 13 points.

Blissfield (13-3, 8-3 LCAA) will travel to face Columbia Central on Friday for an LCAA matchup.

Madison (14-2, 11-1 TCC) led 16-3 after the first quarter and increased the lead to 28-5 at halftime. Madison's defense had a standout night, recording 24 steals and allowing only one Whitmore Lake player to score more than three points.

Madison was led by Ashley Bussing, who had 16 points and six rebounds. Ashley Morris finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Maddy Burciaga had seven points. Hanna Johnston added three points, six steals and three assists for Madison.

Madison will travel to face Lenawee Christian on Friday.

Bedford 37, Tecumseh 24: At Temperance, the Indians battled back after a slow start, but fell short in Tuesday's SEC crossover matchup.

Tecumseh (5-9, 3-6 SEC) went scoreless in the first quarter, but outscored Bedford 9-2 in the second frame. The Mules had a 22-15 advantage in the second half.